Respiratory Therapist

Job Description : Under the general direction of a physician and by prescription, the Respiratory Therapist provides respiratory therapy services and life support to patients with cardiopulmonary deficiencies. This full-time position supports the Sleep Lab at UPMC Somerset and works rotating 12-hour shifts, including every other weekend. Sign-On Bonus Eligible : $12,000 for candidates with 0-1 year of experience$20,000 for candidates with 1+ years of experience Responsibilities : Evaluate the appropriateness of medical orders and interpret clinical data to optimize patient outcomes.Set up and operate respiratory equipment including mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas systems, aerosol generators, and environmental control systems.Monitor and adjust equipment to ensure optimal therapy delivery, including parameters such as volume, gas concentration, humidity, and temperature.Administer medicinal gases and aerosol drugs, and observe equipment function for safety and efficiency.Assist in the transport of mechanically ventilated patients and respond to all code situations.Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient charts with therapy information.Demonstrate respiratory care procedures to trainees and supervise students during clinical training. Assess patient condition through prescription review, arterial blood gas measurement, and clinical evaluation to determine therapy requirements. Determine appropriate methods for administering inhalants and make necessary modifications in line with physician orders.Monitor physiological responses to therapy, including vital signs, blood gases, and chemistry changes.Perform bronchopulmonary drainage, assist with breathing exercises, and conduct pulmonary function tests.Consult with physicians regarding adverse reactions or therapy adjustments. Why Join UPMC Somerset?Supportive team environment with opportunities for growth.Work in a specialized setting supporting sleep medicine.Competitive compensation and generous sign-on bonuses.Comprehensive benefits package.Graduate of a Co ARC (Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care) approved Respiratory program required OR students who have received a temporary license are permitted to begin employment with approval from the Human Resources department along with their official transcripts. Basic Life Support or Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation required Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRTT) from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) required prior to expiration of temporary practice permit. Respiratory therapists who receive their CRT credential from the NBRC after July 1, 2002 are required to maintain certification under the NBRC requirements Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances : Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hireCertified Respiratory Therapy Technician (CRTT)Osteopathic Respiratory Care OR Respiratory Care Practitioners (RCP)Act 33 with renewalAct 34 with renewalAct 73 FBI Clearance with renewalUPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran